Nearly three decades after its debut, The Sopranos continues to fascinate audiences with its mix of mob politics and family drama. In a recent interview with The Independent, cast members Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa reflected on the show’s enduring legacy — and revealed that someone on set was secretly selling information about plotlines.
Secrets and Spoilers
Schirripa, who played Bobby “Bacala” Baccalieri, admitted that during production, “there was a leak on set because somebody was selling information.” While the cast had suspicions, the culprit was never identified. The paranoia was especially intense during season five, when writers worked to protect the fate of Adriana La Cerva, played by Drea De Matteo. Her storyline was one of the series’ most shocking twists, and producers went to extreme lengths to keep it under wraps. Scenes were filmed in multiple ways, and by the later seasons, actors only received their own script pages to prevent leaks.
The Legacy of Tony Soprano
Created by David Chase, The Sopranos followed mob boss Tony Soprano, portrayed by the late James Gandolfini, as he balanced violent criminal life with family obligations and therapy sessions. The series redefined television storytelling and paved the way for modern antiheroes. Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, recalled discussions about a possible prequel. “There was even talk at one point of us doing a prequel, like with us in it, which, given our age, didn’t really make any sense,” he said. Gandolfini himself joked about the idea, saying, “What are we gonna do? Wear wigs and girdles like Star Trek?”
Gandolfini’s Death Ended Reunion Hopes
Any chance of revisiting the series ended with Gandolfini’s death in 2013 at age 51. Schirripa admitted, “I think [Gandolfini] would have gone for it for the right price and the right script, but then he passed away — and without Jim it didn’t make sense.”
Keeping the Spirit Alive
Though a revival seems unlikely, the cast continues to celebrate the show’s impact. In 2024, several stars reunited in New York to mark its 25th anniversary. Schirripa and Imperioli also host the Talking Sopranos podcast, where they share behind-the-scenes stories and revisit episodes with fans. As Schirripa noted, “We’re all getting older. Everything changes, but hopefully there will be” more reunions to honor the groundbreaking series.
